Tunisian police surround mosque containing leader of anti-US protest

TUNIS, Tunisia – A hardline Muslim who urged Tunisians to protest against the U.S. Embassy is holed up at one of the capital's main mosques, surrounded by police.

An Associated Press reporter says the Salafi, known as Abu Yadh, retreated inside the El Fateh mosque in Tunis with dozens of supporters on Monday afternoon after a fiery denunciation of the Tunisian government. Police surrounded the mosque but did not enter.

On Friday, several thousand demonstrators angry over a film that insults the Prophet Muhammad stormed the compound in Tunis. They tore down the American flag and raised an Islamic one, while looting and burning buildings. Four demonstrators died.

Abu Yadh blamed the government for the violent protest, saying he had called for a peaceful demonstration.